- Duration
- 4 days
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Max altitude
- 3,400 m
- From
- $519 pp
Quick answer
Machu Picchu tours from Lima take 4 days with us and cost from $519 per person. We pick you up at your Lima hotel for the Cusco flight, spend the first night in the lower Sacred Valley, take the train to Aguas Calientes, visit Machu Picchu with a guide on day 3 and fly back to Lima on day 4. Lima to Cusco flights are quoted separately.
| Duration | 4 days / 3 nights |
|---|---|
| Price | From $519 per person, flights extra |
| Starts and ends | Your hotel in Lima |
| Highest point | Cusco, 3,400 m (11,150 ft) |
| Machu Picchu visit | Morning of day 3, with a guide |
| Group or private | Small group; private on request |
| Deposit | 10% to book |
Machu Picchu Tours from Lima: Price and What You Get
Our Machu Picchu tours from Lima cost from $519 per person for 4 days and 3 nights in a small group. That price covers the ground part of the trip: transfers in Lima and Cusco, three hotel nights with breakfast, the round trip train, the bus up to the citadel, your entry ticket and a professional guide.
The domestic flight is the one piece we quote apart. Fares between Lima and Cusco move every day, so a fixed number would be wrong for most travelers. Tell us your dates and we add the flight to your quote, or you can book it yourself and send us the times. Our Lima to Cusco guide compares flights, buses and travel times.
A private version is also available if you want your own guide and driver. Ask for a private quote with your dates and group size.
| Part of the trip | Covered in the $519 price? |
|---|---|
| Lima hotel to Lima airport | Yes |
| Lima to Cusco flights | No, quoted separately |
| Cusco airport transfers | Yes |
| 3 hotel nights with breakfast | Yes |
| Train, bus and Machu Picchu ticket | Yes |
| Guide on tour days | Yes |
4-Day Machu Picchu Itinerary from Lima, Day by Day
This 4-day Machu Picchu itinerary from Lima is built around one goal: reach the citadel rested, not sick from the altitude. Here is how each day runs.
Day 1: Lima to Cusco and down to the Sacred Valley
We collect you at your Lima hotel and take you to Jorge Chavez airport. The flight to Cusco takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. Our driver meets you at Cusco airport and drives you straight down to the Sacred Valley, around 2,800 m, for a quiet afternoon and your first night.
Day 2: Ollantaytambo and the train to Aguas Calientes
After breakfast your guide shows you the Inca terraces of [Ollantaytambo](/guides/ollantaytambo). In the afternoon you board the train beside the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, at about 2,040 m, and sleep at the foot of the mountain.
Day 3: Guided Machu Picchu visit and return to Cusco
An early bus climbs to the entrance. Your guide leads you through the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana and the main plazas. In the afternoon you ride the train back and transfer to your Cusco hotel.
Day 4: Cusco morning and flight back to Lima
Enjoy a free morning in Cusco, then our driver takes you to the airport for your flight to Lima.
Why This Lima to Machu Picchu Tour Starts in the Sacred Valley
This Lima to Machu Picchu tour sleeps lower first because Lima sits at sea level and Cusco sits at about 3,400 m (11,150 ft). Flying straight up and staying in Cusco the first night is when most travelers feel headaches, poor sleep and shortness of breath.
The Sacred Valley lies roughly 600 m lower than Cusco, and Aguas Calientes is lower again. By the time you reach Cusco on night three, your body has had two days to adjust. That order is why our tours from Lima feel easier than a Cusco-first plan.
Drink water, eat light on day 1 and skip alcohol the first night. If you have heart or lung conditions, ask your doctor before you travel. Our Cusco altitude guide explains symptoms and prevention, and the Machu Picchu elevation guide compares heights with US cities.
| Place on this tour | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Lima | Sea level |
| Sacred Valley (night 1) | About 2,800 m (9,200 ft) |
| Aguas Calientes (night 2) | About 2,040 m (6,690 ft) |
| Machu Picchu | 2,430 m (7,970 ft) |
| Cusco (night 3) | About 3,400 m (11,150 ft) |
Lima to Cusco Flights on Your Machu Picchu Trip
Lima to Cusco flights are the only fast way to start a Machu Picchu trip from Lima. Several airlines fly the route many times a day, and the flight takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The bus takes around 20 hours, so it does not fit a 4-day plan.
Morning flights are the safer choice. Cusco weather can delay afternoon departures, and an early arrival gives you a calm first afternoon in the valley. On the way home, we suggest leaving at least 3 to 4 hours between landing in Lima and any international flight to the US.
You have two options. We can quote the flights with the rest of the trip, or you book them and send us the flight numbers so our drivers meet you on time. Either way, use the same passport name on your flight and your Machu Picchu ticket. For every way to make the journey, read our Lima to Machu Picchu guide.
What Is Included in This Machu Picchu Package from Lima
This Machu Picchu package from Lima includes every booking that tends to sell out, so you are not juggling trains, tickets and hotels on your own.
- Transfer from your Lima hotel to Lima airport
- Pickup and drop-off at Cusco airport
- 3 hotel nights with breakfast: Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes and Cusco
- Round trip tourist train and the bus to the Machu Picchu entrance
- Machu Picchu entry ticket
- Professional bilingual guide on tour days
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen
| Not included | Note |
|---|---|
| Lima to Cusco flights | Quoted separately on request |
| Most lunches and dinners | Eat where you like in each town |
| Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain | Optional add-on, limited tickets |
| Tips and travel insurance | Insurance recommended |
Machu Picchu Tickets and Circuits on This Tour
Machu Picchu tickets are timed and limited each day, and from May to September they often sell out weeks ahead. Your entry ticket is part of this tour, so we book it at the same time as your train and hotel nights.
The site is visited on set routes called circuits. Your guide walks the circuit that shows the main temples and plazas, and we choose the morning entry time that fits the train schedule. Bring the passport used for the booking, because staff check it at the gate.
Want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain? Those need separate tickets with far fewer spaces, so ask when you book. Our Machu Picchu tickets guide and circuits guide explain prices and routes.
Best Time to Book a Machu Picchu Tour from Lima
The best time to book a Machu Picchu tour from Lima is 3 to 6 months before a June, July or August trip. Those months bring the driest skies and the biggest crowds, and tickets, trains and Aguas Calientes rooms go first.
April, May, September and October balance good weather with more space, and 4 to 8 weeks ahead is usually enough. January to March is the rainy season. Machu Picchu stays open, but expect showers and some train changes.
US holidays such as Thanksgiving week and spring break also fill fast. See our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide for a month-by-month view.
Who This Machu Picchu Trip from Lima Suits
This Machu Picchu trip from Lima suits travelers with 4 days to spare who want the citadel without a trek. Walking is limited to the guided visits, with stairs and uneven stone paths at the ruins.
First-time visitors to Peru
Everything is arranged from your Lima hotel, so you only need to bring your passport and pack light for the train.
Families and older travelers
Short travel days and the low-first route make it gentler. Choose the private option to set your own pace.
Travelers with more time
If you have a week, our [Machu Picchu vacation packages](/tours/machu-picchu-travel-packages) add a Cusco city tour and Rainbow Mountain. Hikers can look at the [Classic Inca Trail](/tours/classic-inca-trail-4-days).
How to Book Your Machu Picchu Tour from Lima
Booking your Machu Picchu tour from Lima starts with a free quote. Send your travel dates, group size and whether you want us to add the flights. We check ticket and train availability and reply with a written quote.
A 50% deposit holds your dates once you accept. Payment, change and cancellation terms are in our booking and cancellation policy. Use the form on this page to ask for your quote.
Machu Picchu Tour from Lima, 4 Days Reviews
“Our 4 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima was extremely well organized. From Lima to Cusco and then Machu Picchu, every transfer was easy to follow. It was the perfect package for us because we wanted to see Machu Picchu without planning every part of the journey ourselves.”
Verified Traveler
“We booked a Machu Picchu tour from Lima and had an excellent experience. The 4-day itinerary gave us enough time to enjoy Cusco and Machu Picchu without feeling rushed. Communication was clear throughout the trip and our guide made the Machu Picchu visit unforgettable.”
Verified Traveler
“This Lima to Machu Picchu 4 day tour was one of the highlights of our Peru vacation. Everything was coordinated smoothly, including transportation and the guided visit. I would recommend this itinerary to anyone starting their Peru trip in Lima.”
Verified Traveler
“A fantastic 4 day Lima to Machu Picchu package. We wanted an easy way to travel from Lima and visit Machu Picchu, and this tour took care of all the important arrangements. The schedule was comfortable and the guides were professional and knowledgeable.”
Verified Traveler
“If you are looking for a Machu Picchu package from Lima, this was a great choice. The trip was well planned from the beginning and the four-day schedule allowed us to experience more than just Machu Picchu. Everything felt organized and stress-free.”
Verified Traveler
“Our Lima to Cusco and Machu Picchu tour was fantastic. We especially appreciated having the transportation and itinerary arranged in advance. Machu Picchu was breathtaking, and our guide explained the Inca history in a very interesting and easy-to-understand way.”
Verified Traveler
“We only had a few days in Peru, so the 4 day Machu Picchu trip from Lima worked perfectly for us. The itinerary used our time efficiently while still giving us enough opportunity to enjoy the scenery, Cusco and the Machu Picchu archaeological site.”
Verified Traveler
“This was our first trip to Peru and booking a guided Machu Picchu tour from Lima made everything much easier. The organization was excellent, the team answered our questions quickly, and we always knew where we needed to be. Highly recommended for first-time visitors.”
Verified Traveler
“We had an amazing Lima Machu Picchu tour package. The combination of Cusco and Machu Picchu over four days was exactly what we were looking for. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and the entire journey felt professionally organized.”
Verified Traveler
“The 4-day Machu Picchu vacation from Lima exceeded our expectations. We didn't want to arrange separate transportation, tickets and tours ourselves, so having everything coordinated was very convenient. Machu Picchu itself was absolutely incredible.”
Verified Traveler
“My partner and I really enjoyed this Machu Picchu tour from Lima for couples. The four-day itinerary was a good balance between sightseeing and travel. Everything went smoothly, and visiting Machu Picchu together was easily the highlight of our Peru holiday.”
Verified Traveler
Machu Picchu Tour from Lima, 4 Days: FAQs
How many days do you need for Machu Picchu from Lima?
Machu Picchu tours from Lima work best in 4 days. You need a day to fly and adjust, a day to reach Aguas Calientes, a morning at the citadel and a day to fly back. Three days is possible but leaves almost no time for the altitude.
Can you do Machu Picchu in one day from Lima?
A one-day Machu Picchu trip from Lima is not realistic. You would need a flight, a long drive, a train and a bus each way, and there is no time to adjust to the altitude. Plan at least 3 days, and ideally 4.
How much is a Machu Picchu tour from Lima?
Our Machu Picchu tour from Lima costs from $519 per person for 4 days in a small group, without the Lima to Cusco flights. It covers transfers, three hotel nights with breakfast, the train, the bus, your entry ticket and a guide. Private tours are quoted on request.
Are the Lima to Cusco flights included?
The Lima to Cusco flights are not included in the base price because fares change daily. We can quote them with your tour and book them for you, or you can buy them yourself and send us the times so our driver meets you at Cusco airport.
Will I get altitude sickness on a tour from Lima?
Altitude sickness is possible on any tour from Lima because Cusco is about 3,400 m. Our route sleeps lower first, in the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes, which helps most travelers adjust. Drink water, eat light and talk to your doctor if you have health conditions.
Is the Machu Picchu entry ticket included?
Yes, the Machu Picchu entry ticket is included in this tour, along with the round trip train and the bus to the entrance. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain need separate tickets, which we can add if spaces are available for your date.
Can kids join this Machu Picchu tour?
Kids can join this Machu Picchu tour. Walking is short, and the low-first route helps young travelers with the altitude. Bring passports for every child, because they are needed for tickets. A private tour lets families take more breaks.
When should I book a Lima to Machu Picchu tour?
Book a Lima to Machu Picchu tour 3 to 6 months ahead for June to August, and 4 to 8 weeks ahead for other months. Entry tickets, trains and Aguas Calientes hotels are limited, and they sell out first in the dry season and on US holidays.
Plan your trip
- Lima to Machu Picchu: How to Get There, Distance and Travel Time
- Lima to Cusco: How to Get There by Plane, Bus or Car
- Cusco Altitude: How High Cusco Is and How to Handle Your First Days There
- Train to Machu Picchu: Complete Guide to Classes, Stations and Tickets
- Aguas Calientes Peru Guide: The Town Below Machu Picchu
